Employers google for information on job applicants

There's just been a report on our evening news. Consumer protectors are warning that more and more companies use the internet for information on job applicants. They google for them to find out about their interests, attitude and personality, and they also check their profiles on social networks like facebook. If they see things there they do not like (i. e. partying photos, or rants about their bosses, ect.), it's most likely that an applicant won't be invited for a job interview.

Something we all should think about... What we post on the internet says a lot about ourselves. :rolleyes:

Kirsten

So true! It's amazing that some people don't realise that.

I heard on the radio yesterday that something like 40% of employers check out applicants on Facebook.

It is very difficult in the US to check references - people here tend to sue so employers are reluctant to give out more than name, rank and serial number.

Candidates give "reference" but most people are not going to give anyone who they think will say anything but how wonderful they are.

So Facebook - Google - LinkedIn...

Yes. I have heard that too. However, if someone has their profile set to private, only people who are their friends can see their photos. I don't have any incriminating evidence on my Facebook. They may, however, think I am a crazy cat lady! :eek::D:p

So far, most employers or head hunters I have met (I am looking for a job) have checked my LinkedIn or Viadeo profile. I must say that I do the same! I search for Internet info about the people I will meet.

This is why one should use one's head about posting stuff online! It's basically a big transparent fishbowl to anyone with the right data mining software, or even a search engine and a little patience. I guess if you wouldn't say something in person, then don't say it online.

Yup. I recently had to confront my own posts HERE :eek:

It wasn't work or employment related, but I was involved in a law suit. The lawyer for the other side found Pet of the day and used it against me. I honestly had nothing to hide, but I felt so exposed and violated. I told the truth in the deposition about what happened regarding the law suit as well as what I posted on here. I had to roll my eyes a couple times when they tried to say I have a stressful life... when they pointed out Pouncer's illness, Cameron, our money woes, etc. I told them that was LIFE. That what their client did was WRONG. Funny thing, the lawsuit wasn't for me.... it was for an old aquaintance. I saw things and somehow got involved in her case against someone else. *shrug*